Tamim stands up for Bangladesh against spirted President’s XI attack

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal used all his vast experience to defy the Cricket West Indies President’s XI bowling attack on a day of attrition on Friday at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG). The left-hander ended on 140 not out as the visitors posted 274-6 off 82.5 overs against a determined bowling attack on a day cut short by a sharp shower just after 5 pm.

Tamim was made to fight hard for his runs and has so far faced 240 balls and hit 19 fours and a six. When play resumes on Saturday morning he will be alongside Mussadek Hossain, who is on six not out.

All the CWI President’s XI bowlers had memorable moments. The best was the first wicket in the second over of the morning when seamer Jeremiah Louis saw his perfect outswinger touch the edge of Mahmud Hasan’s bat for Tevin Imlach to take a superb diving catch in front first slip. That was the first of three catches for Imlach who had an unblemished day behind the stumps.

After Mahmud fell, Tamim was joined by Najmul Hossain, and the pair added 140 for the second wicket. The left-handed Najmul looked fidgety at the start but progressed 54 off 99 balls with nine boundaries before he was well caught at first slip by the alert Alick Athanaze off left-arm seamer Preston McSween.

The second day’s play in this three-day match is on Saturday. First ball 10am (9am Jamaica time).